A state panel is recommending Indiana's A-F school rating system be changed to account for improvement by individual students on tests and add state tests to four more grades.

The committee voted Monday to advance the recommendations to the State Board of Education, which is expected to consider adopting a new A-F grading model in November.

Committee co-chairman Steve Yager of the Southwest Allen County Schools says the recommendations are intended to provide a simpler process and more transparency than the previous grading system.

The push for A-F system changes came after The Associated Press published emails showing then-state schools superintendent Tony Bennett altered the system last year to benefit a campaign donor's charter school.

The panel also recommends adding state tests in the first, second, ninth and 11th grades.

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